WO2013178367A2

WO2013178367A2 - Method and device for monitoring an actuator device

Info

Publication number: WO2013178367A2
Application number: PCT/EP2013/001609
Authority: WO
Inventors: Max NESTORIUC
Original assignee: Avl Deutschland Gmbh
Priority date: 2012-05-31
Filing date: 2013-05-31
Publication date: 2013-12-05
Also published as: JP6416753B2; US20150167574A1; JP2015518224A; KR102015471B1; US9523323B2; WO2013178367A3; DE102012010868A1; KR20150042749A

Abstract

Method for assessing the status of an electromechanical actuator device. The actuator device is provided, in particular, for actuating control element apparatuses in an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle. This actuator device has an activation apparatus and a stator apparatus as well as at least one electrical coil apparatus 1. The actuator device can be changed over from a first operating state into a second operating state. During the changeover from this first operating state into this second operating state, activation power 2 is fed to the coil apparatus 1 by means of a control line apparatus. In a first method step, the activation power is fed to the actuator device. In a second method step, the feeding of the activation power is reduced, in particular interrupted. In a third method step, the control line apparatus is monitored and an actuator assessment characteristic variable is determined from the data acquired in the process. In a fourth method step, the actuator assessment characteristic variable is assessed by means of a comparison variable which is based on the fed-in activation power.

Description

Method and device for monitoring an actuator device

description

The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring an actuator device.

In motor vehicles, a large number of setting and actuating tasks are performed or supported by electric actuator devices, in particular electromechanical actuating devices. On the one hand, this actuator devices can serve functions such as seat adjustment, windows and sunroof operation, on the other hand, this can also serve technical tasks, such as the operation of an electric parking brake or changing the air duct of the internal combustion engine or the like. While the functionality of some of these actuator device for the driver and in the maintenance of the vehicle, are easily verifiable, run other of these control tasks virtually imperceptible, a malfunction of this is usually difficult to detect. In particular, technical parking functions but still have great importance for the operation of the vehicle, be it in terms of driving safety or in terms of performance, or the pollutant emissions of the vehicle or the like.

Often, the actuator devices that perform the aforementioned control tasks and others, in the vehicle components (trim parts, body, etc.) integrated and thereby difficult to access. In addition to checking, this poor accessibility makes it difficult to maintain it, so that a reliable and as accurate as possible diagnosis is desirable for it, preferably even during normal operation. By means of a suitable diagnosis, malfunctions can be specifically remedied, possibly the total failure of the Actuator device even be anticipated. The information that an actuator device is no longer functioning properly is often insufficient to take appropriate repair actions. For a detailed information regarding the malfunction and the operation of the actuator device, therefore, a more detailed information on the malfunction that has occurred is desirable.

Particularly in the case of actuator devices which perform actuating tasks within an internal combustion engine, the diagnostic function is of increasing importance, since repairs to these are generally particularly time-consuming and expensive.

From the prior art it is known to use actuator devices in motor vehicles, in particular in the internal combustion engine, for actuating tasks. Such control tasks are usually the change of control times (opening / closing time) for the control elements of the gas exchange (intake / exhaust valves) or the change in the operating intensity (variable valve lift). DE 103 49 898 A1 discloses for this purpose a valve train of an internal combustion engine with at least one camshaft, the DE 42 30 877 A1 discloses for this purpose a valve control for a globe valve with two cams. In this case, the functionality of the actuator device is frequently monitored by means of the approach of position markers or by monitoring the supplied power thereto, in particular by means of monitoring the current curve of the actuator device. If the actuator device does not properly reach its position mark after a control command from the control unit or if irregularities occur in the absorbed current / power curve, a malfunction of the actuator device can be inferred.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for state evaluation which, compared with the prior art, enables a more precise assessment of the state of an actuator device and thus contributes to increasing the functional safety of the motor vehicle. Another object is a device to accomplish this procedure. This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 8, advantageous developments are subject of the dependent claims. The method according to the invention is provided for monitoring an actuator device, wherein the actuator device is provided in particular for activating control device devices in an internal combustion engine, in particular a valve control in a motor vehicle. This actuator device has an actuating device and a stator device, as well as at least one electrical coil device. The actuator device can be converted from a first operating state into a second operating state. When converting from this first into this second operating state, the coil device is supplied with an actuating power by means of a control line device. Due to the actuating power, an actuating force is set between the stator device and the actuating device. When transferring this second into this first operating state, a restoring force acts on the actuator device, in particular, this restoring force is caused by the control device. Alternatively, the coil device can again be supplied with actuating power, but then reset, so that an inverse restoring force is created for the actuating force.

In a first method step, the actuator device is supplied with the actuating power. In a second method step, the supply of the actuating power is reduced, in particular interrupted. In a third method step, the control line device is monitored and an actuator evaluation parameter is determined from the data obtained thereby. In a fourth method step, the actuator evaluation parameter is assessed on the basis of a comparison variable based on the supplied actuating power. At least one comparison variable is used to evaluate the actuator evaluation characteristic. Preferably, this comparison variable is based on the scheduled power (operating power). Preferably, by measuring or calculating the planned occurring electrical loss, as they occur during the transmission of the actuating power and preferably also the losses that occur during the transmission from the coil to the electrical measuring device, Right. More preferably, at least one or both of these electrical losses are included in the determination of the comparison quantity. Further preferably, the total loss is determined from these two electrical losses. Preferably, at least one of these electrical losses is deducted from the actuation output in order to determine the comparison variable, and thus, in particular, a loss-adjusted comparison variable is provided. More preferably, a multiple of these electrical losses is taken into account in the aforementioned manner, preferably from 1 to 5 times, preferably from 1, 1 to 2.5 times and particularly preferably from 1, 2 to 1, 75 times. fold electrical loss. Thus, if the actuator evaluation parameter ascertained during the monitoring of the control line device falls below the comparison variable, then it can be stated in particular that the actually existing electrical losses clearly exceed the planned electrical losses and the actuator device consequently no longer functions properly or a failure thereof at least can be imminent. Further preferably, temporally successively determined Aktua- torbeurteilungs characteristics are stored and also used for comparison with the currently determined Aktuatorbeurteilungskenngröße.

By comparing a plurality of Aktuatorbeurteilungs- characteristics determined at different times, it is possible to assess the development of the functionality of the actuator device. In particular, by taking the comparison quantity for the evaluation of the actuator evaluation characteristic, an improved method for evaluating the actuator device is made possible. By means of the actuator evaluation parameter, a systematic deterioration of the actuator switching time, in particular the dead time of the actuator, in the control, preferably by a software program, can be adapted. Thus, in a certain range of deterioration of the actuator switching time, the functional capability can be further guaranteed and errors in the switching, at least until the total failure of the actuator, can be prevented or at least minimized.

The method according to the invention has the advantage that the electrical functionality of the electromechanical actuator device and its connections and control can be checked without the need to demount the motor or requiring a further test system that checks the electrical components. In the context of the invention, a stator device is to be understood as a device which is mounted in a stationary manner, that is to say it is immovable relative to a foundation, motor housing, engine mount, body part or the like. Preferably, a stator device is immovably connected to a coil device. Further preferably, a stator device comprises a ferromagnetic material.

For the purposes of the invention, a coil device is a device which, as far as it is traversed by a current, generates a magnetic field. Preferably, a coil device has a wound about an imaginary axis, preferably multiple wound electrical conductor. In particular, the coil energy is to be understood as the energy stored within a coil device after the supply of an electrical power, the flow of power resulting from the outflow of this energy is to be understood in particular as coil power.

For the purposes of the invention, an actuator device is an electromechanical device, preferably an actuator device converts an electrically supplied power into a force. It is also preferably possible that the force obtained by this conversion counteracts a spring force or the like. An actuator device is provided to perform actuating operations, preferably in a motor vehicle and particularly preferably in the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. Preferably, an actuator device for performing a setting operation performs a movement. Preferably, this movement is due to the force caused by the supplied power or due to this force in cooperation with the spring force. This movement is preferably a translatory or a rotational movement or a combination of these. Preferably, an actuator device is variable in length and performs a translatory movement. This length variability is preferably achieved by a plurality of preferably by two, preferably against each other, facilities. An actuator device preferably has an actuating device and a stator device, as well as a coil device. Preferably, the coil device is firmly connected to one of the two devices (actuating device, stator device), preferably non-displaceable. lent, wherein preferably the respective other device is movable relative to the coil means, preferably translationally displaceable.

For the purposes of the invention, an actuating device is to be understood as a device which is movably mounted in relation to the stator device. Preferably, the actuating device is moved relative to the stator device to fulfill the setting task of the actuator device, preferably moved in translation. Preferably, the actuating device, at least in sections, on a permanent magnetic material. Preferably, the actuating device is designed so that it is at least partially covered by the coil device at least in the unactuated state of the actuator, ie in particular in the first operating state. Preferably, the actuating device is designed and mounted relative to the stator, that this is at least partially covered by a magnetic field, which arises when the coil device is flowed through by a current. Preferably, the actuating device is configured in a region for actuating a control device. The actuating device preferably has a heat-treatable material in such an area, preferably a hardenable or heat-treatable material. Preferably, the actuator in this section has a hardness in the range of 50 to 64 HRC, preferably from 52 to 62 HRC and more preferably from 55 to 58 HRC. Preferably, an actuating device in this section on a wear protection, preferably a sliding material, such as bronze, plastics or the like, more preferably, an actuator in this section is spherical, spherical or round designed, more preferably substantially cylindrical pin-shaped.

For the purposes of the invention, a first and a second operating state are to be understood as meaning two states of the actuator device which differ with respect to the local orientation or the geometric position of the actuating device relative to the stator device. Preferably, a first operating state means an unactuated state or idle state and, under a second operating state, an actuated or working state. In its second operating state or on its way from the first to this second operating state, the actuator device preferably exerts a force action on the device to be actuated with the actuator device, preferably a control device in an internal combustion engine. For the purposes of the invention, a control line device is to be understood as a device with which a power for actuating the actuator device is transmitted. Preferably, a control line device has control devices for controlling an electric power flow. Preferably, control devices are switch devices, diodes, thyristors, relay devices or other devices for controlling electrical currents, in particular power electronic components and the like. Further preferably, the control line device comprises conductors for the transport of electrical charge carriers, preferably wires, cables, printed conductors or the like. Preferably, a control line device is to be understood as meaning an electrical circuit for supplying and controlling the electrical power flow to the actuator device from an electrical energy source, preferably an on-board voltage network.

For the purposes of the invention, an actuating power is to be understood as meaning the electrical power which is supplied to the actuator device. Preferably, the actuator device is supplied with the actuating power in order to transfer it from one to the other operating state. Further preferably, the actuator device is supplied with an actuating power which is so small that the actuating device is not moved relative to the stator device as far as its end position, preferably is not moved substantially at all relative to the stator device. Such a reduced actuating power can be supplied at the same time as the actuation power provided for actuation, after this or as a proportion thereof. Further preferably, this reduced actuation performance can be understood as a test performance, in particular for testing the actuator device. Further preferably, the actuating power is the electrical power which is supplied to the coil device by means of the control line device for transferring the actuator device from the first to the second operating state.

For the purposes of the invention, an actuating force is to be understood as the force which transfers the actuator device from its first to its second operating state. Preferably, the actuating power supplied to the coil means causes a magnetic field which the actuation force on the actuator causes. Preferably, the actuator performs an actuating movement due to the actuating force.

For the purposes of the invention, a restoring force is to be understood as the force which transfers the actuator device from its second to its first operating state. Preferably, the restoring force is applied by the control device in particular to the actuator. Preferably, the restoring force acts in the opposite direction to the actuating force.

For the purposes of the invention, a restoring actuating power is to be understood as meaning the electrical power which is supplied to the actuator device in order to transfer it from this second to this first operating state. The restoring actuating power is preferably supplied as electrical power to the coil device by means of the control line device. For the purposes of the invention, interrupting or reducing the supply of power to the coil device means that the supply of the actuating power is reduced or stopped.

For the purposes of the invention, monitoring the control line device means that at least one electrical variable, preferably a voltage or a current, is determined by means of a suitable measuring device. Preferably, the time profile of at least one electrical variable is determined. Further preferably, the voltage and the current or their time course is determined. Further preferably, this determination is carried out only during a certain period of time and not during the entire operating period of the actuator device. Preferably, the scheduled postition of a control device is used as the trigger condition for starting and ending this monitoring. Particular preference is given to a displacement or rotational angle position of the device, to which the actuating device applies a force on a scheduled basis as a trigger condition.

For the purposes of the invention, an actuator evaluation parameter is to be understood as a parameter for evaluating the actuator device. This parameter is preferably based on measured and particularly preferably calculated electrical quantities. This parameter is preferably based on at least one of the electrical variables determined during monitoring of the control line device, determined. The actuator evaluation parameter is preferably based on the determined temporal voltage profile and additionally or alternatively the determined temporal current profile of this monitoring. Further preferably, the Aktuatorbeurteilungs characteristic is based on the integration or the numerical summation of at least one of these determined variables (voltage waveform, current waveform), further preferably on the integration or the numerical summation of the product from the time course of the voltage and the current, as in the Monitoring the control means means are determined. The actuator evaluation parameter preferably represents a measure of the actuating power supplied to the coil device. The actuator evaluation parameter preferably represents the energy content of the coil device after the supply of the power (actuating power) has been interrupted and is therefore in particular a measure of the energy stored in the coil device by supplying the actuating power.

For the purposes of the invention, the evaluation of the actuator evaluation parameter is understood to mean that the actuator evaluation parameter is compared with at least one reference variable. Preferably, such a reference variable is to be understood as at least one actuator evaluation parameter recorded at an earlier point in time. Further preferably, such a reference variable is to be understood as meaning at least one precalculated parameter which is preferably stored in the data storage device of the control device. The actuator evaluation parameter is preferably compared with at least one reference variable to be recorded as a threshold value. This threshold value preferably represents a critical energy content of the coil device. Such a critical energy content is present in particular when this energy content in the coil device is so low that the actuator device no longer functions properly, in particular the actuating force is too low for the proper execution of the setting task. For energy contents which are lower than this threshold value, it can be assumed in particular that the actuator device no longer works with the required safety. Preferably, this threshold value is selected so that the energy content represented by this energy to the 1- to 5-fold energy content, preferably the 1, 25- to 4-fold energy content, and particularly preferably 1.5 to 2.5 times the energy content, such as it is necessary for proper operation of the actuator device. Further preferably The reference variable may also refer to the supplied actuating power; more preferably, further electrical conditions of the actuator device are taken into account. In a preferred embodiment, the reduced actuation power is less than the actuation power supplied to the actuator device for moving the actuation device, in particular so small that the stator device and the actuation device do not move relative to one another substantially. The reduced actuating power is preferably selected from a range between 0.01 to 0.5 times the actuating power, preferably 0.01 to 0.25 times the actuating power, and particularly preferably 0.01 to 0.1 times the actuating power. More preferably, the reduced actuating power is transmitted to the coil device by means of the same control line device as the actuating power. By means of a reduced actuation performance according to the invention, the actuator device can be tested in the unactuated state and accordingly in particular independently of the scheduled operation of the actuator device, thus providing an improved method for monitoring the function of the actuator device. In a preferred embodiment, to interrupt the supply of the actuating power, the actuator device is separated from a power source, preferably galvanically separated therefrom, more preferably in such a way that a potential difference between at least two electrical terminals of the coil device is compensated. In particular, the power source provides the electrical power for actuating the actuator device, and the power source is preferably an on-board voltage network. Preferably, a switch device is actuated for this interruption, preferably a power switch device such as a relay device or a power electronic component, preferably a thyristor device or the like. By interrupting the power supply, in particular by galvanic isolation, it is ensured that no leakage currents lead to a power supply and possibly to a misinterpretation of the functionality, thus an improved method for monitoring the actuator device is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the control line device is controlled to drain the electrical energy stored in the coil so that it drains off as a coil power to an electric power sink. An electrical power sink is preferably to be understood as meaning an electrical storage device, an electrical resistor or the like. For controlling the control line device, a switching device, in particular by means of the control device device, is preferably activated. Further preferably, the power flow is enabled by a free-wheeling diode device through this control process. In this case, a free-wheeling diode device is to be understood as meaning a device in the control line device which allows current to flow only in one direction, preferably counter to the direction of the actuating power flow, at least in a section of the control line device. This section of the control line device preferably has the electrical power sink. Further preferably, the control line device, preferably after the supply of the operating power has been interrupted, monitored by means of the electrical measuring device. Preferably, the control line device is controlled by the control of power electronic components such as thyristors or the like, or more preferably by means of a relay device. By selectively controlling the control line device in the sense that the coil power can only flow off in a certain direction to the electric power sink, a particularly accurate measurement of the electrical power is possible, thus enabling an improved method for monitoring an actuator.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one electrical variable is determined by the measuring device during the monitoring of the control line device. Preferably, the control line device is monitored by means of a voltage measuring device and additionally or alternatively by means of a current measuring device. Further preferably, the control line device is monitored both with a voltage measuring device and a current measuring device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the time profile of the voltage and, alternatively or additionally, the time profile of the current during this monitoring of the control line device is determined. In this monitoring, the time profile of the voltage and of the current during the outflow of the coil power to the electrical power sink is preferably monitored. In particular by the Determining the time course of the relevant electrical variables can be closed particularly accurately to the energy content of the coil device and thus an improved method for monitoring the actuator device can be provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the determination of the actuator evaluation parameter is based on the numerical summation, or the integration of the time profile, one of these electrical variables or several of these variables. Preferably, the time profile of the product from the determined course of the voltage and the current is integrated or numerically summed. In particular, by this evaluation of the determined electrical variables can be closed to the coil performance, thereby providing an improved method for monitoring the Aktuatorvorrichung available.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuating power is supplied to the coil device only for a short period of time, such a shortened supply of the actuating power preferably does not cause the actuating device to be moved relative to the stator device, cf. reduced operating performance. In this case, a period of time which is shorter than the period for supplying the actuating power for transferring the actuator device from its first to its second operating state and more preferably a dead time, ie a maximum energizing time, without any movement of the actuating device, is preferred or an actuator pin of the actuator device is caused. This shortened period of time is particularly dependent on the type of actuator, its resistance, power consumption, etc. Preferably, the shortened supplied operating power for a period of 0.0001 seconds to 0.1 seconds, preferably for a period of 0.001 to 0.01 Seconds, more preferably supplied in a period of 0.003 seconds to 0.005 seconds, and most preferably of 0.004 seconds. In particular, the period for the supply of the shortened supplied actuating power is selected so that there is no, scheduled adjustment by the actuator device. Preferably, the supply of the actuating power, in particular a shortened or reduced actuating power, during commissioning (starting process), in a motor vehicle so in particular at each startup process or every nth start Operation (n> 1) carried out, alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that the shortened supplied operating power is supplied and monitored recurrently after a certain time interval. Preferably, the variables determined during the periodic monitoring, in particular the actuator evaluation parameter, are stored. By comparing these temporally offset obtained actuator evaluation characteristics, it is possible to monitor the functionality of the actuator device, in particular the control line device and the coil device. In particular, thus changing, in particular increasing, resistances can be detected at electrical contact points; Thus, an improved method for monitoring an actuator device is provided.

The actuator monitoring device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention has an arithmetic unit, in particular a Steuergerä- teinrichtung with a computing unit and a data storage device, and a power control device, in particular a switch device, in particular as part of the control line means for controlling a power flow. Furthermore, the actuator monitoring device has a measuring device for measuring at least one electrical variable, which can occur when transferring an actuator device from the first to the second operating state or vice versa. The actuator device has a stator device and an actuating device, wherein the actuating device is movably mounted relative to the stator device. This first and second operating state of the actuator differ by different positions of the stator and the actuator to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuator monitoring device has a switch device. Preferably, the power flow in the direction of the electric coil device can be interrupted by means of this switch device. Preferably, this switch device is designed as a power-electronic component, particularly preferably as a thyristor device. Further preferably, this switch device is designed as a relay device. By means of the described configuration of the switch device, the power flow through the control line device can be controlled reliably and reliably, thus providing an improved device for monitoring an actuator device. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator monitoring device has a current-conducting device. Preferably, this Stromleiteinrichtung is designed as a device which prevents the electric power flow in one direction, preferably in the direction of the actuating power, more preferably, the Stromleiteinrichtung is configured as a freewheeling diode device. Further preferably, this freewheeling diode device is arranged in a section of the control line device, this is preferably located between the electric power sink and the coil device. As an alternative or in addition to the control line device provided for transmitting the actuating power, the actuator monitoring device preferably has a further control line device for transmitting the further actuating power, in particular a reduced or shortened supplied actuating power. Accordingly, the actuator monitoring device may preferably also have two control line device. In particular, in such a refinement, the entire control device can be monitored by means of the first control line device, which transmits the actuating power, and the coil device can be monitored separately by means of the second control line device. By combining both monitoring results, a better limitation of a possible malfunction of the actuator device is made possible, thus providing an improved actuator monitoring device.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of the schematic figures: FIG. 1: shows the determination of the actuator evaluation characteristics.

2 shows a schematic circuit diagram for an actuator device.

In FIG. 1, the time profile of the voltage U of the actuation of the actuator device and of the travel path L of the actuation device relative to the stator device is shown using the example of an actuator device for a valve control for a two-cam lift valve according to DE 42 30 877 A1 Motor vehicle shown. First, the actuator device is in its normal position (first operating state). The energization of the actuator device begins at time ti with the voltage being reduced. through the line V. At this time, the supply of the actuating power to the coil means begins. At the time t ₂ , the actuating force acting on the actuating device by the stator device is so great that the actuating device starts to move, this can be recognized by the drop of the line S. At time t ₃ , the actuating device has reached its end position (second operating state) and does not continue running. At time t4, the applied voltage V1 and thus the power supply to the coil device is interrupted. The actuator still remains in its current position, until it acts on a restoring force. The interruption of the supply of the actuating power induces a voltage U _s . At the moment in which the supply of the actuating power is interrupted, the coil power starts to flow out of the coil means. This outflow of the coil power is monitored by means of an electrical measuring device, in the present case at least the time course of the voltage is determined. The outflow of the coil power ends at the time t ₅ . By numerical summation of the measured electrical variable in the interval between t ₄ and t ₅ , the actuator evaluation characteristic is determined. In the present case, this is represented by the area KG. At time t _7, a restoring force acts on the actuating device and returns it to its initial state (first operating state). Its initial state reaches the Aktuatorvornchtung at time t ₈ . When the actuator device is returned from its second operating state to its first operating state, a voltage is again induced in the coil device due to the Lorentz force, which voltage is at most U | reaches _{n (j.} This induced voltage may, if it is evaluated to be understood as a discard signal. As far as such a discard signal is detected, it can be assumed off, that the actuating device with respect to the stator means was scheduled moved. The line T represents the In the present case, the measurement starts at time t ₆ and ends at time t _9. The timing of the measurement prevents another voltage induction in the coil device, for example by contamination is detected as a discard signal.

In combination with discard signal and assessment, it can be differentiated to conclude which irregularities are present in the actuator unit. If the assessment of the actuator evaluation parameter indicates that it is above a threshold value, the electrical functionality is given. Represents Nevertheless, no discard signal, it can be concluded that there is a mechanical malfunction of the actuator device. Are there any irregularities, eg. As a slow deterioration of the Aktuatorbeurteilungs characteristic and the discard signal can be detected, it is assumed that an electrical malfunction. If the actuator evaluation parameter is below the predetermined threshold value and no discard signal is present, then it can be concluded that there is an electrical malfunction in the actuation of the actuator device. Further evaluation options are possible by the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a partially schematized circuit diagram for an actuator device, which can be monitored by means of a device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention and by means of precisely this method. In this case, the coil device 1 by means of the control line device 5, which has a switch device 6, the actuating power 2 is supplied. The switch device 6 is caused by a control command 10 from the controller device (not shown) for opening and closing. By opening and closing the switch device 6, the coil device 1 is supplied with energy from the energy source 4. The energy source 4 has a pole 4a with a potential which is increased in relation to a second pole 4b, thus having a positive and a negative pole. The coil device 1 initially receives the actuating power 2, is scheduled by the actuating power 2, the actuator (not shown) moves and fulfills the actuation task of the actuator. The electrical connections of the coil device (1 a, 1 b) are connected to one another by means of a current control device, in the present case a freewheeling diode device 7 and an electrical load 8. A current control device is designed so that it allows a power flow only against the actuating power 2. If, due to a control command 10, the supply of the actuating power 2 is interrupted, or the potential difference at the electrical connections (1a, 1b) of the coil device 1 is compensated, then the energy stored in the coil device 1 begins to flow, the coil power 3 flows off. This drainage is made possible via the freewheeling diode device 7 and the electrical load 8. Further, in this part of the control line device 5, an electrical measuring point 9a is arranged, via which the measuring device device 9 records the time profile of the coil power (current, voltage). These metering devices tion can also be integrated into the control device (not shown). From the electrical variables thus measured, essentially the time profile of the voltage U and additionally or alternatively the current, the actuator evaluation parameter can finally be determined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 coil device

2 operating power

3 coil power

4 energy source

4a Positive potential of the energy source

4b Negative potential of the energy source

5 control line device

6 switch device

7 freewheeling diode device

8 electrical load

9 Measuring device device

9a measuring point

10 control command of the ECU device

Claims

claims

1. A method for assessing the state of an electromechanical Aktuatorvorrich- device, in particular for a valve control, wherein the actuator device is provided in particular for driving control organ devices in an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, characterized in that

the actuating device in a first step, an actuating power (2) is supplied, that in a second process step, the supply of the actuating power (2) is reduced, in particular interrupted that in a third step, a control line device (5) is monitored and from the thereby obtained Data, an actuator judgment characteristic is determined, and that in a fourth method step, the actuator evaluation characteristic is judged by a comparison variable based on the supplied operating power (2).

2. A method for assessing the status of an electromechanical actuator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitted actuating power (2) is reduced, in particular reduced in such a way that a stator and an actuator of the actuator substantially not move relative to each other.

3. A method for assessing the state of an electromechanical actuator device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for interrupting the supply of the actuating power (2), the actuator device is electrically isolated from a power source (4), which provides the actuating power (2).

4. A method for assessing the state of an electromechanical actuator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the outflow of a coil power (3) from the coil means (1) the control line means (5) is controlled so that the coil power (3) to a ner electrical load (8) flows, and the control line device (5) in this case by means of an electrical measuring device (9) is monitored.

5. A method for assessing the status of an electromechanical actuator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during monitoring of the control line device (5) at least one electrical variable with the measuring device (9) is determined.

6. A method for assessing the state of an electromechanical Aktuatorvorrich- device according to claim 5, characterized in that a voltage or a current in the monitoring of the control line means (5) is determined, wherein in this monitoring in particular determines the time course of this electrical variable or more of these variables becomes.

7. A method for assessing the status of an electromechanical actuator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of the Aktuatorbeurteilungs characteristic on the numerical summation, or the integration of the time course, one of these electrical variables or more of these sizes is based.

8. Actuator monitoring device, in particular for a valve control for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said device is an arithmetic unit, in particular a control device with a computing unit and a data storage device, a Leistungssteuerungsein- direction (6, 7), in particular a switch device ( 6) for controlling a power flow, and having a measuring device (9) for measuring an electrical variable, said actuator device having a stator device and an actuating device, wherein the actuating device is movably mounted relative to the stator device, and wherein the actuator device has a first and a second operating state wherein these operating states differ from each other due to different positions of the stator device and the actuating device.

9. Aktuatorüberwachungsvorrichtung according to claim 8, characterized in that said device comprises a switch means (6), said switch means (6) is arranged to interrupt the power flow (2) in the direction of the electric coil means (1).

10. Aktuatorüberwachungsvorrichtung according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises a Stromleiteinrichtung (7), said Stromleiteinrichtung (7) is provided to the power flow (3) from the coil means (1) to an electrical load (8). to control.

1 1. A computer program containing instructions which, when executed by a control device, cause them to carry out a method according to the claims 1 to 7.

12. Computer-readable medium on which a computer program according to claim 11 is stored.